Once you have filed your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and paid your filing fees you need serve your petition on your soon to be ex-spouse. This can be done in one of a few different ways.
The first and cheapest (free) option is to hand your spouse the paperwork and have him/her sign an acknowledgement of service in front of a notary public. The form can be found on your county's website where the other self help forms are found. The date of service will be the date which the acknowledgement is signed and notarized.
You can place your paperwork with the sheriff for service. There will be a fee for the service and there is no way to know how long it will take to have the service done. The clerk will be able to tell you where to go at the courthouse to turn over your paperwork to the sheriff.
The third option is to hire a private process server. Here in Arizona, Hawkins and EZ Messenger is a popular company that many law firms use, particularly in the bigger counties like Pima, Maricopa, Yavapai and Coconino. There are other companies that do private process serving. The internet or the yellow pages will give you your options. This will be the most expensive option but it may get done faster than using the sheriff's office.
And remember...
While you may find helpful insights or bits of information in this blog as it progresses, keep in mind that this is only being provided as general information to help you and others get started in this process. My first and best advice is to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in the area of family law. This is the only way to truly obtain advice directly pertinent to your situation. I am available for consultation by calling (928) 458-5026 to schedule an appointment.
